How much does it cost?

From A$3,390 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,432 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes. Two nights aboard the Great Southern from Brisbane to Melbourne are included, with all-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages.

Which train and cabin classes are used?

The Great Southern, Brisbane to Melbourne, with Platinum, Gold Premium Twin, Gold Twin, or Gold Single cabins.

What meals are included?

All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages, including a signature beachside dinner of fresh seafood and local wines at Coffs Harbour.

Is this an escorted tour?

Off Train Experiences are led by local or coach guides, though the evidence does not mention a dedicated tour director.

The evidence lists 2 departures, in December 2026 and January 2027.

What is not included?

The evidence lists an optional helicopter flight upgrade during the Hunter Valley Off Train Experience as an extra; other meals and activities are included in the fare.

Journey Beyond Rail · Rail journey

Southern Summer 2026

Journey Beyond Rail's Southern Summer is a three-day, two-night journey aboard the Great Southern from Brisbane to Melbourne, with no hotel stays; you sleep aboard the train each night. The first day ends with a beachside dinner of fresh seafood and local wines at Coffs Harbour, complete with live music. On Day 2, you choose between Hunter Valley wine touring, a 4WD or boat tour of Port Stephens, or a guided walk through Newcastle. The train arrives in Melbourne on Day 3 for a last breakfast on board before a choice of activities, including the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia and a behind-the-scenes MCG tour, which concludes the journey. This suits food-and-wine travellers who want a short, all-inclusive rail journey with a different landscape and set of choices each day, rather than a trip built around city stays.

What to know before you look closer

The advertised from-price of AUD 3,390 is lower than any cabin tier listed in the evidence, where the lowest named tier, Gold Twin Advance Purchase, starts at AUD 3,890; confirm the exact cabin type at this price with Journey Beyond Rail.
This is a train journey only, from Brisbane to Melbourne, with no accommodation included before Day 1 or after Day 3.
The Off Train Experience on Day 2 (Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, or Newcastle) is a choice of options, so the specific excursion you get depends on your selection.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Great Southern
Brisbane and Coffs Harbour
Warm welcome at The Hills of Rivermakers in Brisbane before departing on the Great Southern. Lunch on board, then in the afternoon arrival at Coffs Harbour for drinks and canapes on the sand at Charlesworth Bay followed by a signature outdoor beachside dinner with fresh seafood and local wines, live music.
Day 2railovernight: Great Southern
Hunter Valley, Port Stephens or Newcastle
Breakfast on board, then a choice of Off Train Experiences: Hunter Valley wine touring at Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines with lunch at Twine Restaurant (optional helicopter flight upgrade), Port Stephens by 4WD across the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes or by boat cruise with lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club, or a guided walking tour of Newcastle with lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf. Dinner on board.
Day 3
Melbourne
Last breakfast on board before disembarking in Melbourne for a choice of activities: the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, a behind-the-scenes MCG tour, the Old Melbourne Gaol, and lunch at Eureka 89, concluding the journey.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Drinks and canapes on the sand at Charlesworth Bay in Coffs Harbour, followed by a beachside dinner of fresh seafood and local wines with live music.
Day 2A choice of Hunter Valley wine touring at Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines with lunch at Twine Restaurant, a 4WD or boat tour of Port Stephens, or a guided walking tour of Newcastle.
Day 3The journey concludes in Melbourne with a choice of activities including the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, a behind-the-scenes MCG tour, and the Old Melbourne Gaol.

Included

2 nights aboard the Great Southern, travelling from Brisbane to Melbourne
All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages
Off Train Experiences at Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley Region and Melbourne

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From A$3,390 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,432 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes. Two nights aboard the Great Southern from Brisbane to Melbourne are included, with all-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages.
Which train and cabin classes are used?: The Great Southern, Brisbane to Melbourne, with Platinum, Gold Premium Twin, Gold Twin, or Gold Single cabins.
What meals are included?: All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages, including a signature beachside dinner of fresh seafood and local wines at Coffs Harbour.
Is this an escorted tour?: Off Train Experiences are led by local or coach guides, though the evidence does not mention a dedicated tour director.
When does it depart?: The evidence lists 2 departures, in December 2026 and January 2027.
What is not included?: The evidence lists an optional helicopter flight upgrade during the Hunter Valley Off Train Experience as an extra; other meals and activities are included in the fare.